Severe storms are an unavoidable reality of Australian life. Whether it is a summer hailstorm in Sydney, a cyclone in Queensland, or wild winds sweeping across Melbourne, the aftermath can leave homeowners staring up at a damaged roof wondering what to do next.
The steps you take in the hours and days after storm damage can make a significant difference to your outcome — both in terms of limiting further damage to your home and successfully navigating the insurance process. Here is a practical guide.
Step 1: Stay Safe
Before anything else, prioritise safety. Do not climb onto a damaged roof under any circumstances. Broken tiles, wet surfaces and weakened structures make post-storm roofs extremely dangerous, even for experienced tradespeople.
If water is entering your home, move furniture and valuables away from affected areas. Place buckets or containers to catch drips. If the damage is severe — significant structural compromise, exposed electrical wiring, or large sections of roof missing — consider whether it is safe to remain in the building.
Step 2: Document Everything
As soon as it is safe to do so, start documenting the damage. Take photographs and video from the ground level, capturing as much detail as possible. This documentation will be crucial for your insurance claim.
- Photograph the exterior of the roof from multiple angles
- Photograph any interior damage — water stains, damaged ceilings, wet floors
- Take wide shots showing the overall scene and close-ups of specific damage
- Note the date and time of the storm and when you first noticed the damage
- If neighbours' properties are also affected, note that — it corroborates the storm event
Step 3: Prevent Further Damage
Your insurance policy typically requires you to take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage after an insured event. This is called "mitigation" and it is both a policy requirement and common sense.
Call a roofing company that offers emergency services. A professional can install temporary tarps over exposed areas to prevent water ingress until permanent repairs can be carried out. Keep all receipts for emergency work — these costs are usually covered under your policy.
Step 4: Contact Your Insurance Company
Lodge your claim as soon as possible. Most insurers have dedicated storm damage teams that ramp up after significant weather events. The sooner you lodge, the sooner an assessor can be assigned to your claim.
When lodging your claim, have the following information ready:
- Your policy number
- Date and approximate time of the storm
- Description of the damage
- Photographs and video documentation
- Any emergency repair invoices
- Details of any previous roof work or inspections
Step 5: Get Professional Quotes
Your insurer will likely send their own assessor, but it is wise to also get independent quotes from reputable roofing companies. Having your own professional assessment ensures you have an informed position when discussing the scope of work and settlement amount with your insurer.
Be wary of storm chasers — unlicensed operators who canvas affected areas after storms, offering cheap repairs. They often do substandard work, use inferior materials, and disappear when problems emerge. Always verify licences and insurance before engaging anyone.
Step 6: Plan the Repair or Replacement
Once your claim is approved and you have selected a qualified roofing contractor, work together to plan the permanent repair. Depending on the severity and the contractor's workload after a major storm event, there may be a waiting period. The temporary tarping should keep your home dry in the interim.
Use this time to discuss whether a like-for-like repair makes sense or whether upgrading materials or design might be worthwhile — especially if your roof was ageing before the storm hit.
Being Prepared Helps
While you cannot prevent storms, you can improve your preparedness. Keep your roof well-maintained, trim overhanging trees, secure loose items around your property before storm season, and make sure your insurance policy is up to date with adequate coverage.
If you need emergency storm damage assistance or want to arrange a pre-storm inspection, contact our team. We are available seven days a week and can respond quickly when you need us most.